Baker/Malheur Counties- Durkee Fire Updates
By Joe Hathaway on Sunday, July 21st, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Northeastern Oregon News
Durkee Fire Evacuation Level Update (7/21/24 7:32 P.M.)
Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) has been issued to Huntington and the surrounding area.
Wind speeds have increased, which may push the fire toward town. For Huntington residents that need transportation, a bus will be available at Lions Park.
Level 3 evacuation (GO NOW) has been issued to Rye Valley and the surrounding area.
This evening at approximately 7:04 p.m. thunderstorms moved through the area which caused the fire column to collapse, sending wind gusts in excess of 50 mph in all directions.
The fire has NOT crossed I-84 at this time, but has the potential to. BCSO Deputies, Search and Rescue members and fire personnel are enroute to assist citizens.
An evacuation shelter is being stood up at the Malheur County Fairgrounds. For shelter information, contact or 1-800-733-2767.
@Malheur County Sheriff’s Office
@Cow Valley and Durkee Fires Information 2024
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Update as of 5:11pm (From the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) Please be advised of the current evacuation levels pertaining to the Durkee Fire.
Level 3 (GO NOW) has been issued for the Bridgeport valley south of Pioneer Lane to the Baker/Malheur County line.
Level 2 (BE SET) has been issued for the area east of Highway 245 and south of Forest Service Road 11.
Level 1 (BE READY) is still in place for the City of Huntington.
The #DurkeeFire, which began on July 17th, has now encompassed approximately 116, 431 acres. The cause has been attributed to lightning strikes that were witnessed in the area.
Some Baker County residents are receiving emergency evacuation notifications to their cellular devices for the Durkee Fire.
The automated alert notification system factors in a wide location range due to your device location settings relative to the cellular towers and may not accurately reflect the evacuation map. For the most accurate, updated evacuation information please reference the evacuation maps posted to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
@Malheur County Sheriff’s Office
@Cow Valley and Durkee Fires Information 2024
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UPDATE – 3:20PM: From the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office – The Durkee fire burning has been stopped on the south end in the Willowcreek area. We will maintain a “GO” level while we confirm there is in fact no fire activity in this area.
On the North end of the County the fire is continuing to make its way west. We are upgrading the areas north and west of Malheur Reservoir from Willowcreek Road up Alder Creek Road to the Malheur County line and beyond to a level 3 status. This is the highest level of preparedness, or the “GO” level.
Areas to the west of Alder Creek Road are being upgraded to a Level 2 evacuation or “Get Set”.
Strong winds and dry thunder storms are expected for this afternoon and evening.
If you need shelter accommodations, call Malheur County Dispatch at (541) 473-5125. Dispatch is very busy. Do not call for anything other than shelter accommodations or emergencies.
For further information on the fire you can visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/…/Cow-Valley…/61562017027302/
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Durkee Fire update for July 21 at 8:50am
DURKEE FIRE: Start date: July 17, 2024 | Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR | Personnel:
434 | Fire size: 116,431 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%
Yesterday, was an extremely active fire day. The Durkee Fire spread most to the southeast, with some growth in the north and west. About 24 aviation resources engaged in aerial firefighting operations over Durkee Fire yesterday, one of the largest aerial responses in the country! There was an intrusion into the restricted air space from a privately-owned drone. Thanks to the quick actions of fire personnel, aircraft did not have to be grounded and firefighting efforts were able to continue both on the ground and in the air. Firefighters were able to conduct strategic firing operations on the southern tip of the fire up Dry Creek Road. This helped create a fire break to slow fire spread. Firefighters have been able hold the fire from Brogan south. The Durkee Fire did spread to Malheur Reservoir last night.
Today, extreme fire behavior is anticipated again. Fire fighters in partnership with local RFPAs (Rangeland Fire Protection Associations) will engage and make progress around the fire perimeter where safe to do so. They are working on building fireline from Malheur Reservoir to Amelia Butte. Firefighters are also working to slow fire spread where the fire crossed Burnt River. A weather shift is expected today.
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-CURRENT EVACUATION LEVELS FOR THE DURKEE FIRE-
FROM THE BAKER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (7/20/24 3:02 P.M.): The Durkee Fire has continued to advance south. A Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation has been extended into rural areas of Willowcreek and Vale in Malheur County. Huntington remains at a Level 1 (BE READY). Maps in this post have been updated.
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Durkee Fire Update from the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, July 20, 1:20pm:
The Durkee fire has advanced to the south making it all the way to the east side of Brogan last night. The fire crossed Lockett Road this morning making it all the way to 10th Ave East near Willowcreek. Residents from 10th Ave East south to Vale, from Vale around Foothill Dr. to Heinz Blvd, to Jacobsen Gulch Rd to I84 are advised to evacuate. This is the highest level of preparedness, or the “GO” level. Please be advised if you live within the Cities of Ontario or Vale, or within irrigated cropland areas this does not apply to you. If you reside near or on the rangeland/cropland interface it does apply to you.
Level 2 evacuation or “Get Set” is advised for areas north of Willowcreek Road at Basin Creek and east of Basin Creek north into Baker County and east to Birch Creek.
Fire crews are battling winds and environmental factors that make it incredibly difficult to keep up with. Winds are expected from the Northeast throughout the day.
If you need shelter accommodations, call Malheur County Dispatch at (541) 473-5125. Dispatch is very busy. Do not call for anything other than shelter accommodations or emergencies.
For further information on the fire you can visit Facebook
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Saturday, July 20, 9:40am
DURKEE FIRE: Start date: July 17, 2024 | Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR | Personnel:
191 | Fire size: 24,269 acres | Cause: Lightning |Containment: 0%
Yesterday, the Durkee Fire was extremely active progressing south/southeast past Huntington Road
and paralleling a ridgeline adjacent to HWY 26. Southern progression of the advancing fire front
reached east of Brogan. To the north, the fire crossed Burnt River. Fourteen aircraft dropped retardant
and water to reinforce the efforts of firefighters on the ground. Overnight, 20-25 mph winds with gusts
reaching 45 mph combined with cured grasses and other dry fuels to drive fire growth. Grasslands
containing juniper saw six-foot flame lengths.
Today, given conditions associated with extreme fire behavior, fire fighters will continue to engage and
make progress were and when it is safe to do so. Today, structure protection is a top priority.
Resources, including Oregon State Fire Marshal have been dispatched to aid with structure
preparations. Ariel tactics will continue, especially in areas that are not safe for ground support.
Durkee fire is burning in complex terrain with fuels comprised of juniper and sage. Fire behavior in
this fuel type is characterized as spreading quickly. With increasing temperatures forecasted, 20-25
mph winds continuing through the day and compounding cumulative drying conditions below
seasonal averages, the fire is likely to continue active progressing.
DURKEE FIRE UPDATES – SATURDAY, JULY 20
BAKER & MALHEUR COUNTIES – Dry Creek to Burnt River is now a Level 2. A Level 3 (Go Now!) alert remains in place for Rye Valley and by Brogan. The City of Huntington remains in a Level 1 (Get Ready)
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UPDATE – 6:50PM: A Level 1 (BE READY) evacuation has been issued for the City of Huntington. Durbin Creek Road is closed. Maps in this post have been updated.
UPDATE – 6:20PM: From the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office – The Durkee fire has advanced to the south at an alarming rate toward Brogan. It has jumped Durbin Creek road and is proceeding south along the ridge line North of Hwy 26. Residents on the north side of Hwy 26, just north of Thomaselio road and Hill road are advised to evacuate at once. This is the highest level of preparedness, or the “GO” level.
Fire crews are battling winds and environmental factors that make it incredibly difficult to keep up with.
All areas south of Lockett road and north of Hwy 26 should be at a level 2 or “Get Set” preparedness level. You should have your travel supplies and companion animals ready to go within 10 minutes of notice to evacuate. Plans should be set. Don’t go anywhere yet unless you need extra time to get out and travel.
If you need shelter accommodations, call Malheur County Dispatch at (541) 473-5125. Dispatch is very busy. Do not call for anything other than shelter accommodations or emergencies. We will send a similar alert when you can return to the area.
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UPDATE – 5:45PM: According to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, a Level 2 evacuation (BE SET) has been issued for the area east of Interstate 84 to the ridgeline located to the west of Huntington.
Maps have been updated.
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UPDATE – 9:30AM: -CURRENT EVACUATION LEVELS FOR THE DURKEE FIRE- Level 3 (GO NOW) has been issued for the Rye Valley area. Baker County Sheriff’s Office personnel is in the area notifying residents.
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DURKEE FIRE UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, JULY 19
Information from Cow Valley and Durkee Fires Information 2024
Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR
Personnel: 88
Fire size: 2,699 acres
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 0%
BAKER COUNTY – Yesterday, fire personnel worked quickly to develop a strategic plan to engage and suppress the Durkee Fire. The structure protection group was formed and has started structure assessments.
Firefighters were able to make progress in partnership with local Rangeland Fire Protection Associations on creating firelines.
Aviation was used to help minimize fire behavior supporting crews on the ground. Throughout the day, there were about 14 aircraft dropping water and retardant helping to slow the fire so crews on the ground could make progress. Overnight, there was not much fire spread to the north, but the fire did spread about 5 miles to the south into Rye Valley.
Today, firefighters will be working to establish control points to keep the fire south of Burnt River. The fire is expected to be active today because of hot, dry, and breezy weather. Fire personnel will continue to use aviation and work to establish primary and secondary firelines
